As a prominent name in Formula One, Mercedes-Benz leveraged their contract as providers of the series’ official safety cars, held since 1996, to build a global platform upon which they unveiled forthcoming AMG-tuned models. The SL55 AMG was shown for the first time at the German Grand Prix; the marque’s flagship roadster would not be seen again until the 2002 New York Auto Show, eight months later.

Nevertheless, the new car successfully joined the company’s 2003 model-year catalogue, causing shockwaves in the early-2000s performance car market with near-supercar levels of acceleration and handling, packaged in a comfortable, elegant convertible geared towards touring capability. Propelled by a 5.4-litre supercharged V-8 delivering power through a five-speed automatic transmission that features AMG’s ‘Speedshift’ control unit, the roadster is claimed to be able to reach 100 kph in just over four seconds.

This example, finished in Obsidian Black over a Red leather interior, was first registered in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2002 as a 2003 model year vehicle. Built in right-hand drive, the car was specified from new with optional extras including a Parktronic sensor system, multi-contour seats, electric folding mirrors, AMG styling package with 18-inch wheels, premium audio system with CD changer, and an anti-theft alarm.

The SL55 AMG is offered for sale from the collection of the Cayman Motor Museum in West Bay, Cayman Islands, where it was featured on static display among other rare and desirable cars. The car retains a succession of servicing invoices from certified Mercedes-Benz workshops dating from 2006 to 2015; the most recent issued for a major service carried out by Mercedes-Benz of Eastbourne. The odometer reads just under 58,250 miles at the time of cataloguing. The SL55 AMG is offered with an owner’s manual and service book.